Annexation of Judea & Samaria is 'up to Israel,' US officials say as Israeli gov't weighs declaration

Reports in Hebrew media indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene another discussion on the application of partial sovereignty in Judea and Samaria amid moves by several western nations to recognize a Palestinian state. 

Ynet News reported on Tuesday morning that Netanyahu is expected to convene a discussion later in the day on the application of sovereignty. The last such discussion was about two weeks ago, in a meeting of several government ministers. 

The discussion takes place just after Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot announced in a social media post that his country will recognize a Palestinian state, as well as impose sanctions on Israel. 

"The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic proportions. Israel's actions, violating international law and its responsibilities, have forced us to take decisive steps to pressure the Israeli government and the Hamas terrorists," Prevot wrote. 

The sanctions are intended to hinder any plans by the Israeli government to announce an application of sovereignty in the disputed territories of Judea and Samaria, as they would include import restrictions on goods from Israeli communities in the territories, the suspension of public procurement with Israeli companies, and a reduction in consular services to Belgians living in communities considered illegal by the international community. 

The Belgian government is also taking steps to prevent several Israeli ministers from entering the country, along with “violent settlers.” 

Belgian recognition of a Palestinian state is expected to come during the UN General Assembly later this month, where it will join, France, Britain, Canada, and Australia in granting recognition.

Some analysts believe that Netanyahu will likely time his decision, and make a public announcement, in response to the announcement at the UNGA. 

Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer have communicated to their European counterparts that Israel is considering application of sovereignty as a retaliation for the European states pursuing recognition of a Palestinian state outside of the already agreed upon framework of the Oslo Accords. 

According to the Jerusalem Post, the application of sovereignty over certain areas is “being seriously considered,” however, Prime Minister Netanyahu has not made a final decision. There is broad support for such a decision both within Netanyahu's Likud party, as well as in the coalition government.

The Post also reported that several senior U.S. officials have recently communicated to their Israeli counterparts that “the decision on sovereignty lies in Israel’s hands.” 

It cited an Israeli official who told the outlet, “The Americans are telling Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials: first decide what you want – then talk to us.” 

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, a strong proponent of Israeli sovereignty over the territories, recently told the Post that U.S. President Donald Trump “respects that Israel is a sovereign country,” saying he hasn’t told Israel what to do.  

Earlier this year, President Trump promised to announce his position on Israeli application of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria "over the next four weeks." However, despite making that statement in February, Trump has yet to announce any official position on the topic.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has previously expressed support for Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, and has moved the government away from the use of the term “West Bank”, in order to recognize the historic Jewish claim to the disputed territories. 

During his most recent visit to Israel, Johnson told Netanyahu, “Judea and Samaria are part of Israel. We are working to eliminate the use of the term ‘West Bank’ in the administration, in Congress, and in the federal government.”